Iqbal’s Idea Transformed Into the Creation of Pakistan: Ambassador Khan Hasham Bin Saddique

Riyadh – “The idea given by Iqbal of a separate state for the Muslims of subcontinent becomes an ideology that transforms into the creation of Pakistan,” This was stated by the Pakistani Ambassador Khan Hasham bin Saddique in a grand program attended by hundreds of men, women and children organized by Bazm-e-Riaz in coordination with the Embassy of Pakistan held at the embassy hall.

Speaking as the chief guest on the 140th birth anniversary of the national poet of Pakistan the ambassador said, “Iqbal was a great visionary thinker and his philosophical thoughts taught us to develop self-esteem and confidence. He was the great interpreter of Islam, his poetry is full of wisdom and his message of Khudi leads us towards the positivity of life,” Khan said.

Earlier, the program began with the opening speech by the Head of Chancery, Saifullah Khan. He highlighted and applauded Iqbal’s vision in his impressive speech. The stage was then given to Bazm’s founder, Waqar Naseem Wamiq to conduct the proceedings. Qari Naimatullah recited some verses of the holy Quran followed by its translation. Famous Naat reciter Muhammad Asghar Chishti presented a masterpiece of Iqbal “Loh bhi tou Qalam bhi Tou” that was highly praised by the audience.

Bazm’s Senior Executive member Arshad Sheikh welcomed the distinguished guests in his welcome note and emphasized to follow the teachings of Iqbal and given the key message of the Bazm in his welcome. “Our Bazm is to promote positive thinking and it is for all those remarkable people from whom we can learn from and for all those who can make a difference to build a strong & better society. Our aim is to project a soft and progressive image of our country and countrymen, and to project and spread respect, peace and harmony among the peoples,” Sheikh said.

Bazm’s Associate member Arsalan Baloch presented a compilation of some of Iqbal’s lyrical masterpieces, sung by the famous legendary singers of Pakistan. Senior executive member Zahid Latif Sandhu presented an Iqbal poem and urged the audience to value our national Urdu language.

Bazm’s Senior Advisor Riaz Rathore paid rich tribute to Allama Muhammad Iqbal in his speech, “We need to tell our children about the real heroes not the fakes, Iqbal is our real hero. He gave the stir to the ignorant peoples and infused them with new spirit to raise as a nation, with his poetry,” he said.

Seerat Rafiq, grade-9 student of PISR & the youngest speaker in the program, passionately gave a speech in a stylish manner and described Iqbal as the best inspirational personality whether in a form of a poet, a philosopher or a thinker. He was all in one, who broaden the horizons of the entire nation.

Bazm’s president Tasadduq Gilani addressed the occasion as keynote speaker. He highlighted the fact that the creation of Pakistan was a miracle and Allah gave the best leaders of the time to the nation, “Iqbal was the best poet of the era who brought extreme motivation in the nation that ultimately led to the creation of the ideological state in the map of the world. Iqbal gave the message of hope. He emphasized the importance of the individual and then the ultimate success once the individual contributes in his best capacity as a team member,” Gilani said.

Prominent poet Hesham Syed paid rich poetic tribute to Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He shed light on Iqbal’s vision and enlightened his audience with his poem for Iqbal.

The audience went into raptures on the presentation of iqbal’s “Khudi Ka sirr e niha’n” by young and talented singer Mani Chauhan. Prominent singer Waseem Rafiq took the audience to the dawn of their school days with the presentation of “Labb pe aati hai dua bann k tamanna meri.” Charming singer Dr. Khalid Abbasi delighted his audience with a national song “Hai Jazba Juno’n tou Himmat naa haar.”

Maulana Aziz ur Rahman Durrani prayed for the unity, strength and success of the nation and the ummah as Waqar Wamiq concluded the program with a poetic tribute to Iqbal and on a special note. “Iqbal was a star who arose with the dawn of twentieth century and shining forever with his glorious poetry,” he said.

Khudi Kya Hai, Raaz-E-Daroon-E-Hayat
Khudi Kya Hai, Baidari-E-Kainat
“What is the self? Life’s inner mystery,
The universe’s waking up”
Khudi Ka Nasheman Tere Dil Mein Hai
Falak Jis Tarah Aankh Ke Til Mein Hai
“It is in your heart that the Self has its abode,
As the sky is reflected in the pupil of the eye.”

Bazm Members with the Ambassador Khan Hasham Bin Saddique.
Bazm Members with the Ambassador Khan Hasham Bin Saddique

Waqar Naseem Wamiq is a Riyadh based freelance journalist. Wamiq believes in balanced, independent and fair conversations on all matters. He can be reached at [email protected]